Featuring 15 local vendors, Lucy Loves is a welcome retail addition to Old Town Fairfax City. It’s behind East Winds, at 10414 Main St., and offers a wide array of vintage clothing, modern jewelry and accessories, plus handmade pottery, wooden and woven items and original artwork.

It’s owned by longtime City resident Sharon Buttram, and she named the store after her grandmother. “She was a thrifty soul,” said Buttram. “She grew up on a farm in Tennessee, moved to Baltimore to work during WWII to support the war effort, and never threw anything away. Everything was kept, repaired and loved forever – and Lucy loved everything.”

It’s not surprising then that the store has a large inventory of items for sale, as well as a charming, warm and cozy atmosphere. “We have repeat customers and we’re always adding new merchandise,” said Buttram. “So every time people come in, they’ll see something new. We restock weekly and update for the different seasons.”

Vendor Lillian Calo with her CaloLilly Pottery display.

 

Currently, she said, the most popular items are vintage clothes and accessories from the 1940s to 2000. And because male customers have also discovered Lucy Loves, she’s adding vintage clothing and accessories for them, as well. She even has some male vendors, such as one who makes functional items from wood.

“Adam Erbrecht, a former principal of Daniels Run Elementary, started doing woodworking during the pandemic, using trees from his yard,” said Buttram. “He creates charcuterie and cheese boards out of walnut and maple, with ash accents, and they’re really beautiful.”

Lucy Loves is open every day, except Tuesday, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Buttram also holds special events and has three planned for next month. On Feb. 10, Cameron’s Coffee & Chocolates will sell cocoa bombs outside in the afternoon. Feb. 15, from 4-7 p.m., will be Galentine Night, a sip-and-shop event with refreshments. 

“We’ll have guest vendors selling different items than what we normally have, such as fair-trade goods from all around the world,” said Buttram. “Women can come shop with their girlfriends and have a glass of bubbly.”

Then on Feb. 19, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., she’s holding an event at nearby Commonwealth Brewery. Attendees will learn how to decoratively embroider their clothing and get a free beer from Commonwealth and a gift certificate from Lucy Loves.

During the store’s recent ribbon cutting, Tara Borwey, the City’s Economic Development programs manager, called it “a special day for Sharon to open her new store. We’re so excited about it and, apparently, so are your millions of fans. I’m overwhelmed by how many people have shown up today.”

“This kind of business is exactly what Old Town Fairfax has been missing,” said Mayor Catherine Read. “It’s the kind that collects treasures – where you can spend an hour in here, look and try on things, and discover jewelry, hats, pottery and vintage items. And I think Lucy Loves is the beginning of seeing more of this type of retail want to come to our downtown. We want to attract visitors, but we also want our residents to stay, dine and shop here, attend our events and support businesses just like this one.

“Kathy Hackshaw and Sharon started the [outdoor] Funky Flea [Market], and it’s been a phenomenal success and really set the stage for this business establishing itself here as the curator of fine articles. And like the Funky Flea, it aggregates wonderful vendors, but in a permanent storefront. So I congratulate Sharon and say, ‘Best of luck.’”

Tess Rollins, executive director of the Old Town Fairfax Business Association., said she likes walking around the neighborhood and getting the businesses to collaborate together and connect with the community. “And Sharon is very much connected,” said Rollins. “We want businesses that start off small to grow. That’s the way our residents can stay, work and play in Fairfax. Welcome to the neighborhood.”

Buttram then thanked the City for providing such a friendly environment for a small business. “I’ve lived here over 30 years, and I couldn’t imagine doing this anywhere other than the City of Fairfax,” she said. “So thank all of you who’ve made it a great place to live and to send our kids to school.”

She praised her vendors and friends, including Hackshaw, for supporting both the Funky Flea and Lucy Loves. And she thanked her husband Jon, who served many years on the City’s School Board. “He’s been my number-one fan in every venture I undertake,” said Buttram. “I couldn’t do anything without his loving support.” 

Afterward, customer Zinta Rodgers-Rickert said, “I’m truly ecstatic about having Lucy Loves here. I’ve been here nearly 30 years and remember when our antiques stores made Fairfax City a destination. And I really like this store’s incredibly eclectic mix of jewelry, clothing and crafts.”

Another customer, Sharon Hooper, described Lucy Loves as “a unique place with fantastic finds. And it’s a nice addition to Old Town Fairfax.”

Fairfax resident Lillian Calo, a pottery vendor there, makes brightly colored dishes and other objects. “I try to make fun things that make people smile,” she explained. “I have a studio in my basement at home. I love being part of this store, and I hope people will come here and enjoy it and my pottery.”  

Meanwhile, customer Marbea Tammaro said the City has a real need for small businesses with interesting and one-of-a-kind goods, such as this one. “I’m hopeful that this shop will do well,” she said.

“When we started the Funky Flea, we never imagined this opportunity for Sharon to open Lucy Loves was coming down the pike,” said Hackshaw. “So this is a wonderful, full-circle achievement for her. The creativity, vintage items and fun in this shop should be enjoyed by everyone.”

And indeed, Buttram said that since opening, “The community has welcomed us and seen that we’re something they’ve wanted and needed. We’ve brought in some new artists who do watercolor and acrylic paintings, plus the popular Blind Date with a Book, where books are wrapped up and have clues about their stories on the packaging. We also added another vintage dealer of custom bags and pouches, handmade in beautiful fabrics.”

“At Lucy Loves, you’ll find unique gifts and sustainable fashion – curated items you won’t find anywhere else,” she continued. “It’s a different experience every time you visit, and you’re also helping support local, small vendors.”

For more information, call 571-567-1608 or see the Instagram page @lucyloves.store.